Pakistan and China on Thursday agreed to propel level of economic co-operation in diverse sectors on fast trajectory as an important plank of comprehensive strategic partnership.
The two countries also agreed to make continuous efforts to strengthen good-neighbourly relations and friendship, develop mutually beneficial co-operation and deepen strategic partnership of co-operation which serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and contributes to peace and development in the region, said a joint statement issued on the first state visit of Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari to China.
Both sides opposed to all forms of terrorism, extremism and separatism, resolved to co-operation with each other to fight the above-mentioned three forces, said the statement adding, China conveyed its complete support to Pakistan's commitment and efforts to fight terrorism and appreciated the sacrifices made by the government and people of Pakistan in this regard.
The two sides agreed that economic co-operation is an important part of strategic partnership and both sides enjoy great economic complementarity and should fully tap the potential and comprehensively deepen mutually beneficial co-operation in the economic field.
Both countries agreed to fast track the implementation of the Five-Year Development Programme on Economic Co-operation and make full use of the Free Trade Agreement in Goods and Investment and Pakistan-China Joint Investment Company.
In this regard, the statement said, they agreed to convene a meeting of Pakistan-China Economic Co-operation Group under the Five-Year Development Programme on Economic Co-operation at an early date.
Both sides agreed that the treaty of friendship, co-operation and good-neighbourly relations between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Treaty) signed in April 2005 is of great historic and immediate significance, laying a solid legal foundation for the long-term stable and health growth of China-Pakistan relations.
Both sides decided to abide by the policies and principles enshrined in the Treaty, earnestly implement the bilateral legal documents signed since the two countries established diplomatic ties and further intensify co-operation in the areas of economy, defence, science and technology, people to people contact, thus constantly advancing the China-Pakistan strategic partnership of co-operation. China stressed that Pakistan is China's good neighbour, close friend, dear brother and trusted partner. China will continue to view China-Pakistan relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and make joint efforts with Pakistan to lift China-Pakistan strategic partnership of co-operation to a new height, the statement said.
Pakistan stressed that Pak-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy and friendship with China represents the common desire of all Pakistani people, the statement observed continuing that Pakistan appreciated the strong support and assistance provided by the government and people of China to Pakistan in its economic development.
Pakistan remained committed to continuing its policy of friendship towards China and making unremitting efforts to promote the healthy and steady growth of relations between the two countries.
According to the statement, President Asif Ali Zardari extended invitation to President Hu Jintao to visit Pakistan once again at his convenience and President Hu Jintao thanked President Zardari for his kind invitation.
The statement said Pakistan unequivocally upheld the one-China policy and considers Taiwan as an inseparable part of the Peoples Republic of China and supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to realise national reunification.
China, the statement added, appreciated Pakistan's long term and staunch support to China on issues concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, reaffirmed its support for Pakistan's efforts to uphold its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and appreciated Pakistan's important role in promoting regional peace, stability and security and strengthening international counter-terrorism efforts.
The two sides agreed to enhance co-operation to further develop and boost Pakistan's mineral and energy sector as well as broaden financial and banking sector co-operation.
They agreed to further enhance "connectivity" by developing new communication and links including fibre optic links and also agreed to explore the concept of integrated border management, overland trade and development of trans-border economic zones.
Both sides agreed to maintain communication and co-ordination on major international and regional issues to safeguard their common interests besides continuing to cooperate closely on issues such as the reform of the United Nations, climate change and energy and food security to promote world peace and development.
President Asif Zardari offered congratulation to the Chinese government and people on the successful hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games and the successful completion of Shenzhou VII's mission.
According to the statement, President Hu Jintao congratulated President Zardari on his election as the President of Pakistan and thanked Pakistan for its valuable assistance in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan, China. He also appreciated Pakistan's support to ensure the success of the Beijing Olympics and para-Olympics Games.
Pakistan applauded the outstanding achievements China has made in the 30 years of reform and believes that China's development will contribute to world peace and prosperity.
On the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President Asif Ali Zardari paid four-day long state visit and during the stay held talks with his Chinese counterpart. Wu Bangguo, Chairman Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council, and Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference met the visiting President.
Talks between the two Presidents and President Zardari's meetings with other Chinese State leaders were characterised by traditional warmth, friendship and mutual understanding.
The two leaders reached broad agreement on strengthening China-Pakistan strategic partnership of co-operation and on international and regional issues of mutual interest under the new circumstances. The President of Pakistan also held wide-ranging discussions with the leaders of the Chinese corporations and financial institutions.
The leaders of the two countries reviewed with satisfaction the growth of China-Pakistan relations over the past 57 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties.
They agreed that the friendship between China and Pakistan has withstood the test of time and practice, notwithstanding changes in the international, regional and domestic environments. The all-weather friendship and all-round co-operation have become the distinctive features of China-Pakistan relations. Both sides inked 12 agreements/MoUs during the visit in the fields of economic and technical co-operation, free trade, minerals, petroleum and natural resources, environmental protection, radio and television, space technology, agriculture sector, properties exchange between foreign ministries of the two countries, museum of natural history, cricket field and project of X-ray container/vehicle inspection system.
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